ISBA outstanding achievements recognized

At the Indiana State Bar Association’s Awards Luncheon, the ISBA recognizes individuals for their tireless efforts and outstanding achievements. Congratulations to the 2013 award winners!

Presidential Citations

Presidential Citations recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions to the profession of law and the citizens of Indiana.

• Hon. Thomas J. Felts, Fort Wayne

• Seth M. Lahn, Bloomington

• John R. Maley, Indianapolis

• Clayton C. Miller, Indianapolis

• Amy K. Noe, Richmond

• John C. Trimble, Indianapolis

Civility Awards

Sponsored by the Litigation Section

The Civility Awards are in recognition of Indiana attorneys and judges who demonstrate outstanding civility and professionalism in their dealings with judges, attorneys, parties, witnesses and the public.

• Hon. Michael D. Keele, Indianapolis

• James W. Riley Jr., Indianapolis

• Lonnie D. Johnson, Bloomington

• Daniel D. Trachtman, Indianapolis

• Jeffrey J. Stesiak, South Bend

David Hamacher Public Service Award

Sponsored by the Appellate Practice Section

The David Hamacher Public Service Award is named in memory of David M. Hamacher, former chair of the ISBA Appellate Practice Section. This award honors high moral character and ethical standards, service to the community and peacemaking qualities.

• Maggie L. Smith, Indianapolis

Rabb Emison Awards

Sponsored by the Diversity Committee

The Rabb Emison Awards honor individuals and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to promote diversity and equality in the legal profession and in the membership of the ISBA. This award is named in honor of Rabb Emison, a past president of the association, who was instrumental in encouraging diversity in the ISBA.

• Individual recipient: Professor Carlton Waterhouse, Indianapolis

• Organization recipient: Black Law Students Association, I.U. Robert H. McKinney School of Law

GP Hall of Fame Awards

Sponsored by the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section

The GP Hall of Fame Awards honor outstanding contributions to clients, the profession and the community.

• Irving L. Fink, Indianapolis

• Jessie A. Cook, Terre Haute

Women in the Law Recognition Award

Sponsored by the Women in the Law Committee

The ISBA Women in the Law Recognition Award is presented to an individual who has assisted in the advancement of women in the legal profession, has served as a role model or mentor, or has influenced women to pursue a career in law.

• Hon. Diane Kavadias Schneider, Crown Point

Hon. Viola J. Taliaferro Award

Sponsored by the Civil Rights of Children Committee

The Hon. Viola J. Taliaferro Award honors those individuals who best exemplify Viola Taliaferro’s courageous, visionary leadership in addressing the unmet legal needs of children.

• Hon. Mary Beth Bonaventura, Indianapolis

Outstanding Judge Award

Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section

• Hon. William E. Alexa, Valparaiso

Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section

• Sarah C. Jenkins, Indianapolis

Liberty Bell Award

Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section

• Lisa Plencner, South Bend

Donald R. Lundberg Writing Award

Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section

• Recipient ($200): “Federal Court Practice for the Young Lawyer” by Gina M. Venturelli, Indianapolis (YLS Network, Fall 2012).

Trailblazer/Abriendo Caminos Award

Sponsored by the Latino Affairs Committee

The Latino Affairs Committee’s Trailblazer/Abriendo Caminos Award recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment and leadership of a lawyer who has paved the way for the advancement of other Latino attorneys and/or the Latino community.

• Vanessa Villegas Lopez, Indianapolis

Gale Phelps Award

Sponsored by the Family & Juvenile Law Section

The Gale Phelps Award is named in memory of Gale M. Phelps, a former chair of the ISBA Family & Juvenile Law Section. She was instrumental in creating the Family Law Specialist Certification in Indiana. This award is given annually to an attorney who has worked to elevate the standards of professionalism in the area of family law.

• Kendra G. Gjerdingen, Bloomington

Harrison Legal Writing Awards

Sponsored by the Written Publications Committee

The Harrison Legal Writing Awards are presented to the top three articles that were published in Res Gestae from September 2012 through June 2013. The articles are judged on significance of subject matter, practicality and timeliness; quality of research and legal analysis; and clarity and style.

n First Place ($1,500): “Intrusion Into Privacy – How Indiana Veered Off Course, and How It Can Get Back on Track” by Neal F. Eggeson, Indianapolis (January/February, 2013)

• Tied for Second Place ($750): “Indiana’s Voter ID Law and the Disenfranchised” by Erica K. Drew, Indianapolis (September, 2012)

• Tied for Second Place ($750): “Appealing Orders Before a Case Ends: Dos, Don’ts and Modest Proposals” by William A. Ramsey, Fort Wayne (December, 2012)

Affiliate Member Award

Sponsored by the Affiliate Membership Committee

This award recognizes an affiliate member of the Indiana State Bar Association who has contributed to the legal profession.

• Cheryl L. Niemeier, Indianapolis

Community Service Award

Sponsored by the Service Committee

The ISBA Service Committee was formed by the inaugural ISBA Leadership Development Academy class to advance the non-legal service work of lawyers in their communities and in our state. The Community Service Award honors an attorney’s exceptional non-legal service work in his/her community, which includes promoting community involvement and helping in underserved areas.

• Shontrai D. Irving, Gary

Erik Chickedantz Wellness Award

Sponsored by the Wellness Committee

The Erik Chickedantz Wellness Award is given to the Indiana law school that best promotes a healthy lifestyle among law students by providing support and information related to physical fitness, healthy eating, environment, stress relief and resiliency, and access to fitness for those with special needs.

• Valparaiso University School of Law

Henry Hurst Judicial Assistance Award

Sponsored by Federal Judiciary Committee

The Henry Hurst Judicial Assistance Award is named in memory of Henry Hurst, the first federal clerk of the District Court for the District of Indiana. Hurst exemplified the importance of having highly skilled personnel assisting the federal judiciary in order to promote justice and the efficiency of the courts.

• Laura A. Briggs, Indianapolis